Just a thought to share and ponder, but what if the Hall of Fame held an election including current players in 1909. Who would be in and who would be out? Nominate a player for the 1909 Cooperstown Hall of Fame. Consider only the player's career until that date and state your reason for your nomination. I'll try to keep a list in this post, if anyone wants to play this "what if" exercise. I am adding Posts primarily with a single player and a reason. Blanket statements, such as all 300 game winners in the 19th century, are not being included although individual players may certainly warrant inclusion a reason. Anyone added by me may also be voted "off the island", so to speak, if there is a ground swell of negative comments. Cap Anson may be considered on the bubble in this regard. Rhett, I have included Williamson, but will not add a list. Nothing personal in any of the above, just trying to define a structure that will work, sort of. Spalding was listed with credentials but the others were not. This does not mean they are out, but I am adding only those with a reason associated with them.
Anyone previous named but not listed is still a potential nominee.
1. Jesse Burkett - playing career ended in 1905. HOF statistics all are okay. Catchy last name.
2. Cy Young - Post #3
3. Cap Anson - Post #8
4. Ned Williamson - Post #5
5. Ross Barnes - Post #6
6. Willie Keeler - Post #9
7. Hoss Radbourn - Post #10
8. Dan Brouthers - Post #11
9. Christy Mathewson - Post #13
10. Buck Ewing - Post #22
11. King Kelley - Post #22
12. Henry Chadwick - Post #22
13. George Wright - Post #22
14. Harry Wright - Post #22
15. Al Spalding - Post #23
16. Roger Connor - Post #25
17. Jake Beckley - Post #25